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Ponta da Piedade 1H15M Boat Guided Tour in Algarve

Dolphin Watching in Lagos

Coastal Tour 2H30M / Lagos / Grottos / Aqua Trampoline

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Red White Adventures

5 awesome boat tours to do in lagos, portugal.

If you ask us, Lagos in Portugal is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the entire country. You’ll find some of the best beaches in Portugal around Lagos and if you love the water, then this place is heaven for you. From surfing to kayaking to all the different types of boat tours in Lagos you will never be bored here!

During the summer months, pods of dolphins find their way to the coastline near Lagos. Sometimes even whales can be found roaming just south of the Lagos coast. The Benagil Caves are nearby along the beautiful coast to the east, and to the west you have the world-famous Ponta de Piedade . With such a variety of things to see on boat tours in Lagos, the options are endless!

If you’re looking to get out on the water and go on a boat tour in Lagos we hope these 5 different options help you choose which one fits what you’re looking for. All 5 of the tours are quite unique and different and offer a totally different experience.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3

Table of Contents

The 5 best boat tours in Lagos, Portugal

Quick breakdown of your trip:

• ⛵️ Book your Lagos boat tours on Viator or GetYourGuide
• 👩🏼‍⚕️ Make sure your adventures are insured with SafetyWing
• ☀️ Wear waterproof & eco-friendly sunscreen
• 📸 Bring your camera and get Insta ready
• 💦 Stay hydrated with a LifeStraw water bottle

Pro tip: most boat tours book out in advance during the summer months in Lagos so it’s best to book in advance!

#1 Ponta de Piedade boat tour Lagos

• ⛵️ Book your Ponta de Piedade boat tour on Viator
• ⏰ Time: Roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes
• 💸 Cost: €20

Ponta de Piedade is right next to Lagos and is a part of the famous coastline along the Atlantic Coast just south of Lagos. On this tour, you will get up real close to all of the fascinating rock formations! The boats can actually navigate in and out of these tiny caves so you can really see the cave landscape near Ponta de Piedade. 

The trip itself doesn’t go far from Lagos but it really goes into all the little cracks along the coast so you can see the different inlets and caves. The tour itself will give you an idea of how many beautiful beaches in Lagos there are. 

If you love the tour and the coastline we can recommend hiking the Lagos to Ponta de Piedade coastal trail as well which will give you a more aerial view of the caves and coastline. Actually from the trail, you’ll have access to a lot of the beaches you’ll end up seeing on the boat tour.

We did this tour with Lagos Grotto Trips and thought they were great! The owner, José, is a local and together with his Danish wife, Connie, they run a few different boat tours from Lagos.

We have a more detailed post about the Ponta de Piedade boat tour from Lagos here where you can find more information on the trip!

#2 Boat tour from Lagos to Benagil Caves

• ⛵️ Book your Lagos to Benagil Caves boat tour on Viator
• ⏰ Time: Roughly 2 hours
• 💸 Cost: €40

The Benagil Caves are probably the most iconic caves around the Algarve region. It’s where you’ll find the famous Grutas de Benagil Algarve and all the other sea caves. Lots of people tend to drive to Benagil and do the cave boat tours from there but it’s also possible to do a 2-hour speed boat tour from Lagos. 

The tour starts at the Lagos Marina and makes its way along the coast to Benagil while viewing the caves along the way. Similar to the Ponta de Piedade tour the boats can go into the most narrow caves where you can really get to experience the beauty of these caves firsthand. 

The boat tours to Benagil are on a speed boat so you will be cruising quite fast between the different caves (so maybe leave your hat at home). You’ll see some of the beautiful beaches in the area as well like Praia do Carvalho and Praia da Corredoura.

We also did this tour with Lagos Grotto Trips and loved this one even more than the boat tour to Ponta de Piedade.

PS: If you have the time, go on a day trip out to Benagil! There’s a beautiful coastal walk, kayak rental, and of course boat tours from Benagil as well.

#3 Dolphin and Sealife boat tour Lagos

• ⛵️ Book your Lagos Dolphin and Sealife tour on GetYourGuide
• ⏰ Time: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes

Dolphin watching is a must-do activity when visiting the Algarve. Dolphins are often seen around the Algarve during the summer months when the Atlantic is nice and warm between June and October.

There’s nothing quite like seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. Usually when you see one the rest of the pod is somewhere nearby. Our favourite part about dolphin tours is the fact the dolphins usually quite like swimming next to the speed boats so you get to see and experience them up real close. 

The Algarve is known for its ocean wildlife and more often than not you will see beautiful sea animals! 

PS: There’s also a chance to see WHALES on the tours too! 😉 

#4 Algarve Golden Coast boat tour near Lagos

• ⛵️ Book your Algarve Golden Coast boat tour on GetYourGuide
• ⏰ Time: Roughly 4 hours
• 💸 Cost: €52

Most of the boat tours in Lagos go either to Ponta da Piedade (which is basically still in Lagos) or out east to the Benagil Caves and dolphin chasing. But there is another boat tour from Lagos that goes as south-west as you can possibly go in mainland Europe. 

Yup, this catamaran cruises all the way to the most southwestern point of mainland Europe (it’s not too far from Lagos). This tour takes you to one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve which is near Burgau. 

There’s lunch on board and once the boat is “anchored” for a while you have the option to go swimming, snorkelling, and even paddleboarding in some of the clearest water imaginable. 

This makes an awesome family trip, date, or even an adventure with a friend. The 4 hours out on the water fly by. In our opinion, this is by far one of the best boat tours in Lagos you can do!

#5 Ponta de Piedade kayak tour 

• ⛵️ Book your Ponta de Piedade kayak tour on GetYourGuide
• ⏰ Time: Roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes

On this trip, you will firstly board one of the catamarans at the Lagos Marina. The catamaran will then take you out to Ponta de Piedade where you’ll start your kayak trip.

The kayak trip starts near the Ponta de Piedade cliffs where you’ll be able to kayak into all the grottos and caves and even have the chance to swim in one of the grottos. 

The combination of boat ride and kayak makes it a really fun trip and one of the best boat tours to do in Lagos if you’re looking for a bit of adventure and exercise! (You know we love that😉)

This is a fun trip to do as a couple or a group of friends to get out and see the Algarve Coast by kayak! 

You may also like…

• 8 Beautiful Beaches in Lagos You Need to Visit
• Hiking the Lagos Coastal Walk to Ponta da Piedade
• The Best Ways to Get From Lisbon to Lagos
• Top 20 Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
• How to Explore the Ponta Da Piedade Boat Tour in Lagoa

Recap of 5 Fun boat tours in Lagos

As you can see, there really is a huge variety of boat tours in Lagos and they all offer something unique. Ponta de Piedade and the Algarve Coast is incredible. Whether you decide to go on a boat tour to explore the caves or by kayak we’re sure you’ll have an amazing time. 

During the summer months when the dolphins are cruising around the Algarve a dolphin tour might be one of the best tours to do. In the winter, it might be better to go on a Benagil Caves boat tour. At the end of the day though they’re all great tours and it just depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for!

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the different boat tours in Lagos or anything else related to the Algarve and we’ll be happy to help you.

Dom & Jo Red White Adventures

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Clients feedback.

Best boat trip ever! Lovely views, food and staff! Even had a jump in the water. Would highly recommend. - Cloe & Grandma -

Thank you!! What an amazing trip. The best boat trip in Portugal. Dolphins too! - the Sweeneys -

Fantastic family trip to celebrate a very special 70th birthday, revisiting after 23 years. Still was wonderful. Again such good fun. Great crew, great food - dolphin watching, a wonderful bonus. Glorious thank you so so much. - Mckenzie extended family -

Thank you so much! This trip made our holiday. Fantastic crew! 5 stars!!! - Carly & Trev -

15 Top Boat Tours in Lagos Portugal: Grottoes, Cliffs, & Caves

LOOKING FOR THE BEST LAGOS BOAT TOURS

You are in the right place. The best boat tours in Lagos Portugal are all listed here. Do you know what makes Lagos extra special? It’s the Ponta de Piedade cliffs.

When I first set eyes on these cliffs, they took my breath away 🤩 . Yes, they are that beautiful. The Ponta de Piedade cliffs are the crown jewels of Lagos. And the best way to explore these stunning rock formations and hidden caves is by boat.

Don’t have time to read the whole article?

The best boat tour in Lagos is this half-Day Lagos Golden Coast Cruise with Lunch , with an almost perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating 😊 ❤️

Whether you want to explore the Ponta de Piedade caves and grottos or head east to explore the Algarve coastline and Benagil cave, there are plenty Lagos Portugal boat tours to choose from.

Top 3 Picks: Best Boat Tours in Lagos Portugal

Lagos golden coast cruise.

→ swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding → lunch included

Watching Dolphins and Benagil Cave

→ 🐬 Biologist on board + speedboat → Toilet on-board

Private Cruise with Drinks & Nibbles

→ Explore caves, grottoes, & beaches → Snacks, drinks, 🤿 & paddleboarding

15 Best Boat Tours in Lagos Portugal

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the best boat tours in Lagos, Portugal. Whether you’re soaking up the sun ☀️ on a day tour on a boat or looking for some luxury on a 🛥️ private boat tour Lagos, there’s something for everyone.

Ready to set sail directly on some of the best boat tours from Lagos Portugal? Let’s go.

1. Half-Day Lagos Golden Coast Cruise with Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🚤 BOOK NOW

Enjoy a half day on a beautiful catamaran as you cruise the emerald seas on this Lagos Catamaran Tour with Lunch.

The tour starts in Lagos and sets sail past Praia da Luz, Praia do Camilo, and Praia do Canavial before returning to the starting point. You’ll have a chance to see stunning limestone cliffs and golden sand beaches as you pass them by. 

This cruise was a highlight of our trip to Portugal. The crew was absolutely fantastic and the view of The Algarve coast from the sailboat were stunning. — NICOLE   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Lunch and a drink are included for everyone — meals can be catered to vegetarians, vegans, and those with other dietary restrictions. During the day out, you can also hop in the water for a swim or explore on a kayak or paddleboard.

BOAT TOURS IN LAGOS PORTUGAL

2. watching dolphins and benagil cave with biologists.

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | 🚤 BOOK NOW

If spotting dolphins is on your Lagos bucket list, this Boat Cruise in Lagos with biologists 🐬 is the perfect option.

With a marine biologist on board, you’ll get the chance to spot some of the six species of local Algarve dolphins and learn plenty about them. Plus, if the famous Bengali Cave is another item on your bucket list, this tour will also knock that off.

They did an awesome job with finding dolphin and going in and out of the caves with the whole boat!!! — NICOLE   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The boat has two engines with hydro-jet propulsion, which makes it very safe—safe enough even to bring your pets on board.

The tour starts and ends at the Lagos Marina. Be prepared for the boat to move quickly to get to the dolphins once they’ve been spotted. In addition to a high level of safety, this boat tour also has a convenient toilet on board. 

3. Private Cruise with Drinks and Nibbles

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | 🛥️ BOOK NOW

Explore the shoreline of Lagos on the perfect day out for a private group of up to ten people on this Private Boat Charter Lagos Cruise .

You’ll depart for this trip from the Lagos Marina and explore the caves before heading to two different hidden beaches. You’ll stop and dock, and during that time, you can enjoy a dip in the sea, some snorkeling or paddle boarding with the provided equipment, and light refreshments. 

Great experience with friendly hosts. So fun and worth it. Highly recommend. — ALeXA   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The captain on board will take care of all the details, so with wifi and a good speaker, all you have to do is set the right vibes and enjoy this Lagos boat charter .

4. Benagil Cave by Boat + Carvoeiro + AlgarSeco Caves

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-4 hours | 🛥️ BOOK NOW

Enjoy the beautifully rugged Lagos coastline by land and sea on this Lagos Boat Trip Benagil Cave experience that will take you to three beautiful spots along the Algarvian coast. 

This boat ride will first bring you to the Benagil Cave . You’ll then stop back on land for a walk along the Algar Seco boardwalk and finally back to the boat to visit the Boneca cave.

Antonio provided us an amazing walking tour of the cliffs and caves. — LINDSEY   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

All of this shows you the landscape from different perspectives, combining the best of both worlds! 

This boat ride in Lagos maxes out at just eight people on the boat, ensuring it’s comfortably small and personal. You’ll get picked up from your accommodation in Lagos or Praia da Luz and head to Carvoeiro Beach, where you’ll hop on the boat. 

5. Private Powerboat Tour to Ponta da Piedade

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🚤 BOOK NOW

On this Boat Cruise Lagos to Ponta da Piedade , cruise the beautiful Lagos sea and catch different angles of all the must-see spots along the stunning shoreline.

The tour starts at the marina, and then you’ll take off through the estuary and out to sea. For about an hour and a half, you’ll get a tour of the area, including passing by Praia da Batata, Praia Dona Ana, Rocha Nigra, and Praia da Luz.

Had a great boat trip! Absolutely recommended! — GetYourGuide traveler   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

You’ll be joined on the boat by a skipper who will keep you informed on what you’re seeing and teach you facts and stories about the area.

⭐️ You can also reserve a tour on this private powerboat for up to six people.

6. Ponta da Piedade Coastal Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.15 hours | 🚤 BOOK NOW

This small group tour brings you around Lagos’s rock formations and beaches, giving you a great vantage point from the sea. Your guide will bring you past Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and finally, the Ponta da Piedade headland. 

 Guide Rui Pedro was great and is a very experienced boater. Beautiful and stunning! A must if you’re in Lagos. — DAVID   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

All the while, you’ll learn about the history of the area, fun facts, and local legends. And of course, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to take pictures of all the incredible natural landscapes around you. 

The tour will take some time to stop in a quiet area, allowing you to dip in the sea.

7. Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine-Tasting

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🍷 BOOK NOW

For a terrific full day out, which includes sightseeing by land and sea, as well as wine, this Benagil Secrets experience is the perfect tour to add to your itinerary. 

You’ll start off the day in a jeep, exploring the mountains and visiting local villages. You’ll stop to sample different products and locally produced wine throughout the villages. 

We had an amazing time and our guide was fun and knowledgable! I highly recommend it for anyone who is wanting to experience the Algarve region. — BONNIE   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

In the afternoon, you’ll hop onto a boat to hit the water and see the famous Benagil Caves and maybe spot a few of the local dolphins.

One of the best boat trips Lagos sea and land experience, this tour picks you up and drops you off at your local accommodation.

8. Catamaran Cruise in Lagos

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH : 3 hours | 🛥️ BOOK NOW

Enjoy a calm day out, spotting the main sights of Lagos and enjoying time to relax on this Catamaran Cruise in Lagos.

You’ll meet your tour group in the Lagos Marina, board the catamaran, and head out to sea. You’ll pass by Praia Dona Ana, Porto de Mós, and Praia da Luz.

Highly recommend this boat trip! A gorgeous boat with exceptional and knowledgeable staff. We had a wonderful day — SOPHIA (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

As you sail past the main sights, you’ll learn more details and facts about them through the on-board commentary. Eventually, you’ll rest in a quiet area where you can hop off the boat for a swim or use the free snorkel and paddle board equipment. 

9. Full Day Alvor Day Trip from Lagos

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ T OUR LENGTH: 6-7 hours | ⛵️ BOOK NOW

This unique tour brings you out on a reconstructed version of an old-fashioned Portuguese naval sailboat. 

This full day tour guides you past the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, the beautiful sands of Meia Praia, and into the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, where you can spot loads of different wildlife swimming and flying around you. 

What a beautiful day!!! So laid back. Lovely traditional boat trip. Very friendly and informative staff.  Good value for money. — PEDRO   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The second half of your day is spent with free time in the village of Alvor. With a very active fishing community, there are loads of delicious restaurants where you can go for a fresh seafood lunch and plenty of bars to finish the afternoon off right.

10. Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.15 hours | 🚤 BOOK NOW

If you’re short on time, this Lagos Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade is the perfect tour, as it’s a quick hour and fifteen minutes. 

You’ll be taken straight from the marina out to the fabulous natural features of Ponta Da Piedade . The narrow boats are perfect for navigating the rock formations and getting you into small spaces so you can see the beautiful grottos from all angles. 

We a had a wonderful time and really saw much more than we anticipated! — JERRILYN   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The tides dictate what formations you can access, and those are always changing. But for slightly calmer waters and fewer crowds, book the tour earlier in the morning.

11. Half-Day Sailing Tour in Baia de Lagos with Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ⛵️ BOOK NOW

Enjoy a meal at sea on this beautiful sailboat on this Lagos Boat Tour Caves in Baia de Lagos.

You’ll start the tour by catching a glimpse of the famous Lagos rock formations that dot the shoreline. Following that, you’ll stop in a quiet spot to enjoy lunch on board the boat with some drinks — all included in the price of the tour. 

Great trip with a great crew! Good lunch. Transferred to smaller boat to visit caves. — DEAN   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

While anchored, you can hop in the sea for a swim or make your way in to explore the caves on the tour company’s smaller boats, designed to navigate the narrow grottos. 

This tour is always kept to a small group of under 30 people.

12. Dolphin Watching Half-Day Cruise from Lagos

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | 🚤 BOOK NOW

With a crew of locals on board, all equipped with area knowledge, you have a very high chance of spotting local dolphins on this half-day out dolphin watching tour from Lagos Portugal .

The tour will allow you to see the Algarve coast from the sea, including views of Ponta da Piedade and Praia Dona Ana, all with the ultimate goal of allowing you to spot the wild dolphins.

Brilliant trip and we got to see two pods of about 15 dolphins. Crew were amazing and really knowledgeable. — MARK   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

One of the best Lagos boat trips, this Dolphin Watching tour also gives you time to relax on the boat or swim in the sea. You’ll also receive a complimentary snack before the tour returns to the Lagos Marina.  

13. Ponta da Piedade Sunset Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.15 hours | 🚤 BOOK NOW

This sunset boat tour Lagos Portugal experience is the perfect option for a romantic cruise in Lagos.

The timing allows you to set off for the trip and be out at sea as the sun dips below the horizon, turning the entire landscape into an array of deep oranges and reds. 

Gorgeous views, delicious wines, the opportunity to jump overboard for a sunset dip, and a bonus excursion into the caves all around Ponta De Piedade. — ADAM   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

One of the best boat trips Lagos Algarve offers, you’ll explore the caves, even entering some with the boat. Eventually, you’ll anchor in a quiet spot where you can jump off for a swim if you like or relax and enjoy the quiet evening.

14. Boat Lagos Cruise to Ponta da Piedade

Enjoy a relaxed cruise around the gorgeous rocky landscape of the Lagos coast on this Boat Grotto Tour to Ponta da Piedade.

Your guide will navigate you through the waters, passing by Ponta da Piedade, Praia Dona Ana, Praia Camilo, and the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse —you’ll learn about where the names of these places come from, the history of each of them, and plenty of other interesting local facts. 

Our tour guides were the best and so fun! We went inside so many cool caves and were given great recommendations for things to do after! — GetYourGuide traveler   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

One of the best day boat tours in Lagos Portugal, this tour allows you to see a lot quickly, making it a great one to book if you’re limited in your free time. These small motorboat trips fill up at nine people, ensuring a personalized and comfortable journey.

15. Dolphin Watching Experience

Take your family out for a one-of-a-kind experience on this Boat Trip Lagos Portugal Dolphin-Spotting Experience . The boat is equipped with several different platforms to provide ideal viewing for all of the sea life you might encounter. 

This dolphin and whale watching excursion is a great option for traveling families as it’s accessible for smaller kids, including strollers and wheelchairs. This is one of the best boat tours Lagos Portugal has for families.

We had a great time, saw many dolphins, even a dolphin baby. A great trip we would definitely recommend. — ELENA   (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The onboard guides will comment on the wildlife around you as you go through the sea. While there is never a guarantee, the guides know the habits of the dolphins and whales and will do their best to make sure you get to spot them on this tour.

Final Thoughts: Boat Tours in Lagos Portugal

If you’re headed to Lago, booking a boat tour is a no-brainer. The scenery out on the water is spectacular, and you won’t miss the chance to see the caves and grottos and explore them up close. Plus, passing by the beaches and seeing the coastline from a different angle is an unmissable experience. 

Still Don’t Know Which Tour to Book?

Whether your focus is relaxation, dolphins, or a beautiful sunset, there are so many boat tour options in Lisbon that you’ll surely find the perfect one.

Yvonne Ivanescu is the founder of Now in Portugal and Now in Rio Swim, an ethical and sustainable swimwear company. She is a writer, editor and marketer with over 10 years of experience.

Storytelling is her second nature and she wants to share the magic of Portugal with the rest of the world.

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How it all began...

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Kampari tours is a dream come through for the visionary and fun-loving  Kimberly Juliet Samugana. Her vision is to showcase Lagos through the eyes of the Lagoon while conserving nature and promoting tourism.

Kimberly has a strong background in client experience thus all services are delivered with the customers in mind.

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Tours, Activities and Things to do

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Golden Coast Cruise - Half Day Boat Tour from Lagos

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3 Hour Summer Fun Cruise from Lagos

This amazing cruise tour takes you to see all the beauties of western Algarve. Swim and s.... Read more

2 Hour Kayak Tour from Lagos

Don't miss this opportunity to see the coast of Lagos and the beautiful caves of Ponta de Piedade. Board our .... Read more

Full Day Tour to Algarve - Village Breaks

If you wish for an adventurous tour of Algarve region, this full-day jeep safari tour is .... Read more

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Top Tours in Lagos, Portugal

Lagos tours.

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1. Kayak Adventure to go inside Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the Beaches

2. Lagos - Benagil Sea Cave Tour Seafaris

3. Algarve Private Tour from Lisbon with Benagil Caves Boat Trip

4. Half Day Cruise to Ponta da Piedade with Lunch and Drinks

5. Full Day Guided Tour Historical Algarve Finest

6. Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos

7. Half-Day Sailing Tour in Baia de Lagos with Lunch

8. Kayak 2H30 Grottos Ponta da Piedade - Lagos

9. Boat trip to the caves of Benagil

10. Lagos and Carvoeiro Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve

11. Algarve Private Tour

12. Kayak Experience in Ponta da Piedade

13. Algarve Coast Full-Day Private Tour

14. Boat trip to the grottos at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos

15. Kayak tour in Lagos to visit the caves and snorkel.

16. Discover Sagres & Lagos & Portimao ( Full Day Private Van Tour )

17. Sunset Sagres & Jeep off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast secret spot tour

18. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight in Algarve

19. Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos

20. 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour

21. Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour

22. Sealife Sea Safari, Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist's Lagos

23. Algar de Benagil from Lagos

24. Classic Food Tour - Lagos

25. Fast Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Speedboat - Starting at Lagos

26. Lagos Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

27. Dolphin Watching from Lagos

28. Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas

29. Private Algarve Wines Route

30. TUK TUK Tour around Lagos Old & New Town & beaches - Best way to know Lagos

What travellers are saying.

• Full Day Guided Tour Historical Algarve Finest
• Lagos - Benagil Sea Cave Tour Seafaris
• Kayak Adventure to go inside Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the Beaches
• Boat trip to the grottos at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos
• Sunset Sagres & Jeep off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast secret spot tour
• Bom Dia Boat Trips Lagos
• Lagos Adventure
• Lagos Grotto Trips
• BlueFleet - Boat Trips and Tours
• Lagos Boat Tours
• Discover Tours
• Surf Guide Algarve
• The West Coast Adventure Co.
• Natura Tours
• Volta do Mar
• Horses in the Sun
• Rusailing Sail Training Academy - Day Classes
• Days of Adventure
• Dolphin Seafaris

• See all photos

Ponta da Piedade 1H15M Boat Guided Tour in Algarve

Dolphin Watching in Lagos

Coastal Tour 2H30M / Lagos / Grottos / Aqua Trampoline

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Happy Time (Lagos) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

THE 10 BEST Lagos Tours & Excursions

Tours in lagos.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
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• Archaeology Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Photography Tours
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• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Multi-day Tours
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• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Kayak Adventure to go inside Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the Beaches

2. Lagos - Benagil Sea Cave Tour Seafaris

3. Algarve Private Tour from Lisbon with Benagil Caves Boat Trip

4. Half Day Cruise to Ponta da Piedade with Lunch and Drinks

5. Full Day Guided Tour Historical Algarve Finest

6. Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos

7. Half-Day Sailing Tour in Baia de Lagos with Lunch

8. Kayak 2H30 Grottos Ponta da Piedade - Lagos

9. Fun Private Boat Trip to Ponte de Piedade

10. Boat trip to the caves of Benagil

11. Lagos and Carvoeiro Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve

12. Kayak Experience in Ponta da Piedade

13. Algarve Coast Full-Day Private Tour

14. Boat trip to the grottos at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos

15. Kayak tour in Lagos to visit the caves and snorkel.

16. Discover Sagres & Lagos & Portimao ( Full Day Private Van Tour )

17. Sunset Sagres & Jeep off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast secret spot tour

18. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight in Algarve

19. Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos

20. 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour

21. Sealife Sea Safari, Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologist's Lagos

22. Algar de Benagil from Lagos

23. Classic Food Tour - Lagos

24. Private day trip from Lisboa to Lagos with a two-way transfer

25. Fast Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Speedboat - Starting at Lagos

26. Lagos Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

27. Dolphin Watching from Lagos

28. Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas

29. Private Algarve Wines Route

30. TUK TUK Tour around Lagos Old & New Town & beaches - Best way to know Lagos

What travellers are saying.

• Full Day Guided Tour Historical Algarve Finest
• Lagos - Benagil Sea Cave Tour Seafaris
• Kayak Adventure to go inside Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the Beaches
• Boat trip to the grottos at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos
• Sunset Sagres & Jeep off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast secret spot tour
• Bom Dia Boat Trips Lagos
• Lagos Adventure
• Lagos Grotto Trips
• BlueFleet - Boat Trips and Tours
• Lagos Boat Tours
• Discover Tours
• Surf Guide Algarve
• The West Coast Adventure Co.
• Natura Tours
• Volta do Mar
• Horses in the Sun
• Rusailing Sail Training Academy - Day Classes
• Days of Adventure
• Dolphin Seafaris

Your Gourmet Wine & Food Tours and Events in the Algarve!

From adventure to sophistication: Happy Van is changing its course by creating its new brand: Algarve Gourmet.

Embark on a journey through the Algarve’s finest wines, gastronomic and nature delights with our exclusive tours and events.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Portuguese winemaking and indulge in exquisite flavors that perfectly complement our stunning landscapes.

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Tours to remember.

Algarve Food Tour in Portimão

Indulge in the Algarve Food Tour in Portimão. Savor the finest Portuguese cuisine, wine, and immerse yourself in the food, drink and culture.

Algarve Wine Tasting & Music

Explore a historic Algarve wine estate, with a guided tour, gourmet tasting of 4 wines paired with tapas and enjoy live Portuguese tunes.

Algarve Private Vineyard Picnic

Embark on an extraordinary Algarve Private Vineyard Picnic. Experience a guided winery tour and a delightful picnic with wine pairings.

Algarve Romantic Picnics

Exclusive romantic picnics under the Algarve beautiful sunset, crafting serene and unique moments for you and your loved one to cherish.

Winery Lunch & Wine Pairing

Experience a unique Algarve lunch in a winery with wine pairing. Enjoy a guided winery tour and a delightful meal with local products & wine.

Algarve Sea Flavours Tour

Explore the Algarve Sea Flavours Tour: Nature walk, canned fish industry tour, fishing port visit, and an Algarvian picnic paired with wine!

Algarve Mountain Flavours Tour

Explore the Algarve Mountain Flavours Tour: Mountain boardwalk, visit the top of the mountain, discover Monchique, and have a gourmet picnic!

Seven Hanging Valleys Tour

A private tour with a special picnic to explore one of the best hiking destinations in Europe: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

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Photovan Algarve

Experience the Photovan, a unique attraction in the Algarve. Have fun and capture memories in a vintage caravan transformed into a photo booth.

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Celebrate special moments with our unique private parties and events in the magical Algarve. Whether with your partner, family, or friends, create memories that last a lifetime.

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Well what a fun night. Booked for Loulé food tour but everything on the evening we booked was closed due to a local event. We got changed to Portimão and weren’t disappointed. Paulo was an excellent tour guide full of interesting facts. The food we experienced was extremely tasty. The evening was rounded off with super tasty port and yummy cake before being escorted back to our car in a vintage VW van. A really enjoyable time and would highly recommend this company Happy Van. Looking forward to next year already!

Paulo has so much knowledge about wine and all the surroundings. The pickup with the van was easy and perfect coordinatet! When we will come back, we‘ll definitly will book another Tour with him!

The whole trip was brilliant. The hosts, Paulo and Gorete were friendly and really interesting to chat with. Nothing was too much trouble, even adapting things to suit us. We came away with loads of interesting information about the area. The trip is so well thought out, even down to preparing a special pack lunch for us. If you are in the area definitely check out Happy Vans, we found it a great experience.

February 2023

Paolo is “the man” with “the van”. From first introduction, we knew we were going to enjoy our wine excursion with Paolo. He is an excellent tour guide with a lot of knowledge and a passion for his country, which offers a very personal insight into the history and culture of the Algarve. I would highly recommend any tour with Paolo as your guide. We learned so much about the Odelouca River Valley and the making of wine varietals and blends at the Quinta do Francês vineyards. Thank you Fatima for an informative wine tasting, and thank you Paolo for a most enjoyable excursion. Sincerely, Laura & Mark

October 2022

This was a very unique tour that I would highly recommend. Paulo and his partner were excellent hosts - she the driver of the Happy Van and hostess for our picnic lunch and he the enthusiastic tour guide. Paulo tailored our tour to Loule as we had requested. He was very prompt in picking us up and gave us a very good history of the Algarve region as we drove to our first stop - the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. It beautiful place where Paulo shared its rich history. Next - to the Market where he was very patient with us as we wanted to taste things, buy from the vendors and chat as well. He moved us along to a lovely outdoor picnic in a nearby park. Then on to a winery for our tasting. The winery was lovely and we made several purchases. Our day ended with a very fun ride home and very grateful for a special day with the people who made our van so happy!

One of the most surreal experiences of my life. Paulo and his wife are some of the nicest people I've ever met and could not do enough for the both of us. I contacted them to arrange a proposal which was ruined as the weather was against us but at a moments notice Paulo came up with a plan B and made mine and tayla's experience one to remember!! Tayla said yes by the way

September 2022

I would highly recommend this charming tour ran by Happy Vans. Paulo was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable making this your a feel light from start to finish. The vw camper van pick-up made this a very different kind of tour. Paulo himself relaxed you very quickly and makes you feel a part of the rest of the tour group.

The size of these your groups are very small (limited to the size of the passengers in the van) which only makes this tour feel even more personable. The range of wines produced by the vineyard were exceptional and we couldn't resist purchasing a few bottles to take home (at a very affordable price). The vineyard was very beautiful and it was great to be able to tour the site and see a lot of the area which other vineyards would likely not show you.

We will definitely be using Paulo's tours again on our next visit to the Algarve. Thank you for an amazing time.

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The banjo is a star of Beyoncé's new album. Turns out it has African roots

Aaron Cohen

Beyoncé accepts the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 1. Her new album is "Carter Country" and it features a banjo on the hit song "Texas Hold 'Em." At right: a gourd banjo was an early American incarnation of an instrument that originated in Africa and was played by African Americans. Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images; Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images hide caption

Beyoncé accepts the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 1. Her new album is "Carter Country" and it features a banjo on the hit song "Texas Hold 'Em." At right: a gourd banjo was an early American incarnation of an instrument that originated in Africa and was played by African Americans.

Pop superstar Beyoncé released "Texas Hold 'Em" a few weeks ago and it features an instrument that she had never emphasized before. This hit song, on her new (and hugely popular) Cowboy Carter album, is both an invitation to dance and an assertion of African American cultural identity.

And the banjo, an instrument often associated with American Appalachian bluegrass music, has an overlooked cultural identity of its own — rooted in Africa, where a traditional instrument with a long neck and a body fashioned from a calabash gourd is clearly a banjo ancestor.

The banjoist on Beyoncé's album is the Black American musician (and Pulitzer Prize winner) Rhiannon Giddens. She's part of a group of musicians and musicologists who have been looking into the African origins of the banjo as well as its important place in the Black music legacy.

Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's hit single "Texas Hold 'Em." Above: Giddens performs on banjo with her band. Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images/Getty Images hide caption

Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's hit single "Texas Hold 'Em." Above: Giddens performs on banjo with her band.

Giddens is especially active in correcting the banjo's narrative through her own performances on the instrument and initiatives like her video series, "Uncovering the history of the Banjo with Rhiannon Giddens: From African Roots to American Music."

Giddens, who grew up in North Carolina, said in her video that she did not initially know about the banjo's multifaceted history.

Giddens knowingly explores the globe in her presentation, with Gambian akonting player Laemouahuma Daniel Jatta as a central source (he appears at the 10:51 mark in the video). For years, musicologists had suggested such West African stringed instruments as the ngoni and xalam as foundational to the banjo's origins. Jatta has demonstrated that the akonting is a more direct source.

The Banjo's Roots, Reconsidered

Jatta's advocacy for his instrument's connection to the banjo received a platform on NPR in a 2011 report: "The Banjo's Roots, Reconsidered." In correspondent Greg Allen's story, Jatta describes how his three-stringed akonting resembled what he saw and heard from American country banjo players while he was studying in South Carolina.

Jatta told NPR that while he pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States, he learned everything he could about the origins of the banjo. Eventually, he reached a conclusion.

"Among all the instruments ever mentioned as a prototype of the banjo from the African region," he said in 2011, "the akonting to me has more similarities, more objective similarities than any other that has ever been mentioned."

The 2011 story added that the akonting looks like a banjo. Like early banjos, it has a long neck that extends through the instrument's gourd body. And it has a movable wooden bridge that, as in banjos, holds the strings over the skin head.

But for Jatta, and other banjo scholars, what's most convincing is how the akonting is played. Players use the index finger to strike down on one of the long strings, and the thumb sounds the akonting's short string as the hand moves back upward. When Jatta looked at early banjo instruction books from the mid-1800s, he found that they described an almost identical playing style.

"What struck me was when they mentioned the ball of the thumb and the nail of the index or middle finger. I knew straight away my father was using this same style," Jatta said. "This was never a surprise to me, because I have seen this since I was 5 years old."

Banjo player and roots enthusiast Chuck Levy of Gainesville, Fla., studied with Jatta in Senegal and the Gambia. He adds that documents from centuries ago show shared physical characteristics between the akonting and the banjo.

"Starting in 1600s, there were drawings and accounts of African instruments that were sometimes called guitars but resemble modern banjo," Levy said. "The akonting does not have a tuning peg to tighten the string. The string is knotted on the bamboo neck. Instruments then started to appear with pegs and this is probably a European influence that is now being adapted to this hybrid instrument."

The Banjo Project , launched in 1997, is an online archive that traces the instrument's trajectory. This site describes the story of enslaved Africans bringing stringed instruments to the Americas and how the banjo derived from their innovations. This was during a time when slaveowners and authorities prohibited drums, which they saw as subversive.

Crucial African American musical genres also included the banjo into the 20th century. Jazz artists, like Johnny St. Cyr of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five, doubled on guitar and banjo in the 1920s.

You Can Tour This Banjo Museum Without Getting Up From Your Couch

Gradually, the instrument became a staple of bluegrass, folk and country. Due to the banjo's role in these idioms, it's been frequently characterized as an instrument of white musicians. Rhiannon Giddens says her earliest impression of the banjo was that it's played by "a white man in overalls." What's more, the banjo was prominently featured in degrading blackface minstrel shows. As a result, its Black origins were often buried.

This history does not just flow in one cross-continental direction. After the banjo became a popular and mass-produced instrument in the Americas, England and Ireland during the 19th century, British colonizers took it to West Africa. Musician and professor Chris Waterman's liner notes to the 1985 compilation album, Juju Roots 1930s - 1950s (Rounder), describes how British companies brought banjos (as well as guitars, mandolins and country music records) to Nigeria. Some musicians in Lagos, like Tunde King, played the banjo in a popular new music they created called juju, which later on featured electric guitars.

While contemporary global popular music continues to overwhelm traditional acoustic sounds everywhere, the akonting still has devoted practitioners. One such artist is Sana Ndiaye, who divides his time between his native Senegal and Massachusetts.

Another Senegalese musician who has emerged recently, Elisa Diedhiou, is one of the comparatively few women to play the akonting. She released her Ears Of The People album on Smithsonian Folkways in the United States last year.

Meanwhile, Jatta has continued his mission of performing as well as educating scholars, musicians and fans about the akonting and its connection to the banjo. This included publishing the Banjo Models: The Akonting and Other Folk Lutes of Senegambia: and I Never Allowed Poverty to Destroy My Life in 2022. He interweaves the study of the instrument and its relatives with his autobiography.

Jatta would like to return to the United States to perform and teach and is excited about the people from around the world who are reaching out to him for his thoughts. He is also seeking funds for his educational center in the Gambia.

"What you know of yourself is what you learn from your culture," Jatta said via a WhatsApp conversation from the Gambia. "If you don't know your culture and rely on people to tell you what you are, that's a problem. We have to know what we are before we become what we want to be. That's why I want to make sure to not only have this instrument played the it has always been played but to teach new generation for us to know our culture. People without a culture is like a tree without roots. You have nothing to make us stable."

Forming multicultural partnerships to trace the connections remain just as crucial, according to Jatta.

"The foundation of most of the music that America is playing today — blues, jazz, country, rock and roll — all come from banjo culture," Jatta said. "Everyone needs to have a better way of understanding it. It's the reality. We need to have this understanding to come up with a narrative that everyone can share."

And now Beyoncé's music is part of that narrative.

Aaron Cohen is the author of Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power (University of Chicago Press), Amazing Grace (Bloomsbury) and is the co-author of Ramsey Lewis' memoir, Gentleman Of Jazz (Blackstone) . He teaches humanities at City Colleges of Chicago and regularly writes about the arts for such publications as the Chicago Tribune , Chicago Reader and DownBeat .

• Texas Hold 'Em
• cowboy carter
• Rhiannon Giddens